Area9 Expeditions – Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Area9 Expeditions. These Terms & Conditions outline the agreement between you (the guest) and Area9 Expeditions for dive travel, accommodation, and expedition services. Please read carefully.

🔹 Summary of Sections

• 1. Booking & Payment
• 2. Accuracy of Information
• 3. Insurance Requirements
• 4. Health & Fitness to Dive
• 5. Dive Qualifications & Experience
• 6. Pricing & Amendments
• 7. Jurisdiction & Legal Compliance
• 8. Cancellations & Changes by You
• 9. Cancellations & Changes by Us
• 10. Responsibilities & Liability
• 11. Special Requests & Disabilities
• 12. Guest Conduct & Equipment Use
• 13. Complaints & Dispute Resolution
• 14. Passports, Visas & Immigration
• 15. Force Majeure & Unforeseen Events

1. Booking & Payment

To secure a place on an expedition, a 25% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining 75% is due 6 months prior to sail departure.

Bookings are only confirmed once a deposit has been received and a booking confirmation/invoice issued. Payments in currencies other than USD, EUR, or GBP will be converted at current rates and may include bank charges.

2. Accuracy of Information

We strive for accuracy across all platforms but reserve the right to correct errors in pricing, trip details, and availability at any time.

Wildlife sightings, diving conditions, and gas availability (e.g. Nitrox) cannot be guaranteed.

3. Insurance Requirements

All guests must have:

• Dive injury insurance (including recompression, air evacuation, and gear loss)
• Medical evacuation insurance
• Travel insurance (trip cancellations, baggage loss, etc.)

Proof of insurance, including provider and policy number, must be submitted within 14 days of booking. Failure to provide this may result in cancellation without refund.

4. Health & Fitness to Dive

Guests must be medically fit to dive.

• A dive medical questionnaire must be completed before diving.
• Pregnant guests (28+ weeks) must present a medical certificate.
• Area9 Expeditions reserves the right to restrict dive participation based on health or safety concerns.

5. Dive Qualifications & Experience

Guests must meet the minimum certification and logged dive requirements for each itinerary.

Failure to provide proof of qualification may result in exclusion from dives without refund.

6. Pricing & Amendments

Pricing may change due to fuel, tax, or supplier cost changes. If pricing increases by more than 8%, you may:

• Accept the new price
• Transfer to another trip (if available)
• Cancel for a full refund (minus insurance/admin fees)

No price increases will occur within 20 days of departure.

7. Jurisdiction & Legal Compliance

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will fall under the jurisdiction of English courts.

8. Cancellation & Changes by You

Updated Cancellation Policy (2025 onwards):

• 18 months or more before departure: 60% refund in cash or 80% credit toward a future expedition
• 12 months or more before departure: 80% credit toward a future expedition, 20% non-refundable
• Less than 12 months before departure: Exchange only (subject to us filling your space); no refunds

9. Cancellation & Changes by Area9 Expeditions

In the unlikely event that we must cancel or significantly alter your booking, we will offer:

• A suitable alternative trip (if available), or
• A full refund

Compensation may apply depending on the timing of the change.

10. Responsibilities & Liability

Guests participate in all diving and expedition activities at their own risk. Area9 Expeditions is not liable for injury, loss, or third-party failures.

11. Special Requests & Disabilities

We welcome requests (dietary, medical, etc.) but cannot guarantee all needs will be met. Please notify us of any disabilities or conditions before booking.

12. Guest Conduct & Equipment Use

Guests must conduct themselves responsibly and respect dive safety procedures. We reserve the right to remove individuals for disruptive or unsafe behavior without refund.

13. Complaints & Dispute Resolution

Please report any issues during the trip to our team. If unresolved, formal complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days post-expedition.

14. Passport, Visa & Immigration

You are responsible for meeting all entry requirements for the country of embarkation and return. We are not liable for denied boarding due to invalid documents.

15. Force Majeure & Unforeseen Events

We are not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes caused by events outside our control, including:

• Natural disasters
• War or conflict
• Pandemics or government restrictions